Kelly Clarkson Faces Backlash After Backing Paul

Former "American Idol" champ Kelly Clarkson is taking a lot of flak after announcing her endorsement of Republican Presidential candidate Ron Paul.

"I love Ron Paul. I liked him a lot during the last republican nomination and no one gave him a chance," the singer tweeted Wednesday, adding, "If he wins the nomination for the Republican party in 2012 he's got my vote. Too bad he probably won't."

Clarkson is now facing a firestorm of criticism over her endorsement in the wake of racist and homophobic newsletters that bore Paul's name in the '80's.

In a later tweet Clarkson said, "I am really sorry if I have offended anyone. Obviously that was not my intent. I do not support racism. I support gay rights, straight rights, women's rights, men's rights, white/black/purple/orange rights. I like Ron Paul because he believes in less government and letting the people (all of us) make the decisions and mold our country. That is all. Out of all of the Republican nominees, he's my favorite."